If your boyfriend's Mum's cancer was Stage 4 this means that it had spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, most commonly bones, lungs, liver or brain. Was your boyfriend told where, other than the breast, the cancer had spread to?
This Stage of breast cancer is unfortunately incurable but can be treated successfully, sometimes for years, as a chronic disease. The treatment that she had may have shrunk the cancer for the time being so that it is no longer detectable on scans. This is why she may have been told she is cancer-free. Often called NED, no evidence of disease.
Unfortunately the doctors can not tell how long the cancer may stay in remission. Stage 4 Breast Cancer will eventually start to grow again and then she may need further treatment to again try and shrink or control the growth of the cancer. Surgery is often not part of the treatment for Stage 4 (secondary) Breast Cancer. She would not have known whether the treatment was going to be successful until further scans after several cycles of chemo. Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss.
Hope this info helps. Your boyfriend sounds like a wonderful person, stepping up to help when his Mum needed him. I really hope that his Mum stays well for a long time but he may need to be there for her again when the cancer returns. Your support will help him through the tough times. Deanne xxx
